Cataracts tend to be a part of the natural aging process and are one of the eye conditions most commonly treated by ophthalmologists. Cataract surgeon Dr. Kimberly Ireland of St. Luke’s at The Villages has been an innovator in the many advancements that have worked to make cataract surgery one of the safest and most frequently performed surgeries in the United States.
A cataract is when the eye’s normally clear lens becomes cloudy due to proteins and fibers in the lens breaking down, leading to hazy and cloudy vision. Most cataracts develop due to aging—more than half of all American adults have had a cataract or cataract surgery by the age of 80. However, a cataract can also develop when an injury impacts the tissue that makes up the eye’s lens.
The lens is the part of the eye that is responsible for focusing the light that passes in the eye and for producing clear, sharp images. As we age, the lenses in our eyes become less flexible and harden, making them more susceptible to becoming cloudy. Clouded lenses negatively impact eyesight and the quality of vision.
If you have been diagnosed with cataracts or are struggling with cloudy vision in one or both eyes, you are not alone. Start your journey to #lifechangingvision by contacting us today!
Contact UsDuring cataract surgery, the cloudy lens gets removed and replaced with a clear, new artificial lens, known as an intraocular lens (IOL). Kimberly Ireland, MD, will position the IOL in the same place as your natural lens. This artificial lens becomes a permanent part of the eye, allowing for clear, unobstructed vision.
Typically, the surgery is performed by making a tiny incision on the side of the cornea. In some cases, Dr. Ireland may use a laser to perform some aspects of the surgery, resulting in an even gentler, more precise procedure. After the cataract is completely removed, Dr. Ireland replaces it with an IOL, which allows light to focus clearly again.
Cataract surgery is typically done on an outpatient basis and surgeons usually use a local anesthetic to numb the area around the eye. Although there are some risks associated with any surgery, this procedure is generally a safe and easy one and complications, if any, are usually minor.
When planning your cataract surgery, your doctor will discuss the different intraocular lenses available to achieve your visual goals. Our surgeons use the most advanced lens technology available, and will work with you to ensure that you receive the lens best suited to your specific needs.
Our most popular cataract package is our Lifestyle Vision option. This option is designed to help patients achieve the highest possible level of independence from glasses, and the greatest level of versatility in their vision with lenses that allow for clear vision both up-close and at a distance. Dr. Ireland will work with you to find the high technology lens that is best suited to your needs.
The Astigmatism Reduction package is one that has been designed to reduce the blurring effects caused by astigmatism. Innovative intraocular lenses paired with surgical astigmatism reduction techniques that have been specially designed to minimize astigmatism allow patients who choose this option to experience sharp, clear vision. Prior to surgery, our adept cataract surgeons will work with you to assess your vision goals to determine whether your vision should be focused to see best up-close, far away, or a combination of the two (known as monovision).
The Monofocal Intraocular Lens option includes standard cataract surgery and a single focus intraocular lens implant. This new lens will work to improve overall clarity in your vision, but with this option, glasses are still recommended to fully optimize vision.
(Light Adjustable Lens, Panoptix, Panoptix Toric, Vivity, Vivity Toric)
Our Auto Focus option is our most advanced lens package. It provides the greatest flexibility in your vision and is designed to help you see clearly at both near and far distances, with the highest level of freedom from glasses available. Your eyeglass prescription will be built directly into your new, permanent lens implant, helping you enjoy life with maximum visual independence.
Our Fixed Focus option includes either astigmatism correction (if applicable) or our basic lens option.
If you have astigmatism, we can correct it, allowing you to see clearly at one focal point (usually distance) without glasses.
If you do not have astigmatism or choose not to correct it, this becomes our basic lens option. Your vision will be improved with surgery, and your remaining prescription will be corrected in your glasses afterward.
The most independence from glasses with the fullest range of focus.
Bladeless laser cataract surgery (for appropriate candidates)
Lifestyle lens implant
Custom astigmatism reduction
(for appropriate candidates)
State-of-the-art imaging and diagnostic testing
LASIK enhancement, if needed
$4,000 per eye – plus co-payments, co-insurance and deductibles
Glasses needed for near vision, maximizes distance vision.
Bladeless laser cataract surgery (for appropriate candidates)
Custom astigmatism reduction
State-of-the-art imaging and diagnostic testing
LASIK enhancement, if needed
$2,500 per eye – plus co-payments, co-insurance and deductibles
Will need glasses to optimize vision, overall clarity improved.
Manual Cataract Surgery
Monofocal Intraocular Lens
Patient is responsible for co-payments, co-insurance and deductibles.
In addition to life changing vision, St. Luke’s highest priority is safety in the care of our patients. In fact, our surgical center has a significantly lower incidence of eye infection and other surgical complications than the national average. Some of the Innovations Developed at St. Luke’s Include:
We perform cataract surgeries in our Ambulatory Surgery Center at St. Luke’s at The Villages Lake Sumter Landing location. Pre-operative and follow-up appointments are available in Brownwood and Lake Sumter Landing. We also proudly van service by appointment for surgery days.
Higher quality vision equates to a better quality of life and at St. Luke’s at The Villages, our goal is to help all of our patients achieve life-changing vision. Everything we do, from our organization’s history of rich innovation, thoughtful adoption of new technology and unsurpassed commitment to care, is intended to provide our patients with the best opportunities to achieve their vision goals. At St. Luke’s, you are bound to be in great hands.
If you have been diagnosed with cataracts or are struggling with cloudy vision in one or both eyes, you are not alone. Start your journey to #lifechangingvision by contacting us today!
We proudly serve patients at our eye clinics in Tarpon Springs, Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Spring Hill, Wesley Chapel and in The Villages at Lake Sumter Landing and Brownwood. Our philosophy is to treat those we serve as though they are a member of our own families. From the first phone call or email to the follow-up visit and beyond, we’re here to serve you. Our goal is to help preserve and optimize your vision.
